RESOLUTION
CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF THE PARLIAMENTARY PROGRAMME OF THE
BALTIC ASSEMBLY
The Baltic Assembly,
seeking to implement the Resolution concerning Drafting of
the Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly, adopted in
Tallinn, on 2 December 1995 resolves:
to approve the Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic
Assembly (attached).
Vilnius, 13 April 1996
PARLIAMENTARY PROGRAMME OF THE
BALTIC ASSEMBLY
The Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly reflects
the readiness of the parliamentarians of Lithuania, Latvia and
Estonia for actual close co-operation in the co-ordination of
legislation of these three States and in the approximation of the
laws to the requirements raised by the European Union in the
initial period of integration to the European Union.
The Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly is
implemented by the Baltic Assembly with the accord of the
parliaments of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and with the
approval of the session of the Baltic Assembly.
The Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly provides
conditions for the development of specific relations between the
national parliaments, represented by the Baltic Assembly and the
strengthening of co-operation with the Nordic Council and the
Benelux Consultative Inter-parliamentary Council in accordance
with the provisions of the Treaty between the Baltic Assembly and
the Nordic Council, signed in Palanga on May 30, 1992, and the
Joint Declaration on Parliamentary Co-operation between the
Baltic Assembly and the Benelux Consultative Inter-parliamentary
Council signed in the Hague on 8 November 1994.
I. Objectives of the Programme
The basic objective of the Parliamentary Programme of the
Baltic Assembly (PPBA) is to co-ordinate effective laws and the
subsequent legislation of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia taking
into account the requirements raised by the European Union.
II. Ways of Co-operation
The Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly provides
for:
1. Joint meetings between the committees of the national
parliaments of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and the Baltic
Assembly Committees according to the spheres of activities. Such
meetings are held at least twice a year.
2. Broadened meetings - seminars to which members of the
appropriate Nordic Council and the Benelux Consultative Inter-
parliamentary Council Committees are invited, and in which the
Baltic Assembly committee members and members of committees of
national parliaments participate.
3. Meeting of the Speakers of the parliaments of Lithuania,
Latvia and Estonia to which the Chairman of the Baltic Assembly
Presidium is invited. Such meetings are held at least once a
year, when the term of office of the state presiding over the
Baltic Assembly is nearing its completion.
4. Meetings of heads of secretariats of the national
parliaments, heads of legal departments and other responsible
officials. Such meetings are held at least once a year.
5. Various qualification improvement forms, including short-
term training programmes, study programmes, exchange of
experience, etc.
III. Accountability
1. After joint meetings between the Baltic Assembly and
committees of the national parliaments, a appropriate Baltic
Assembly Committee presents a report to the Baltic Assembly
Presidium.
The Baltic Assembly Presidium may recommend the report for
the consideration at the Baltic Assembly. When necessary, the
Presidium may recommend to the Committee to enhance or supplement
the report.
2. The recommendation of the Baltic Assembly, adopted on the
basis of the report of the joint meeting between the committees
of the national parliaments and the Baltic Assembly Committees,
is considered at the national parliaments, if it is intended for
the national parliamentarians.
3. Heads of Secretariats of national parliaments, heads of
legal departments and other responsible officials inform the
appropriate Baltic Assembly Committee about the results of the
meetings and shall account in the national parliaments.
IV. Organisation
1. The activities of the Parliamentary programme of the
Baltic Assembly is organised by the Secretariat of the Baltic
Assembly under the co-ordination by the Baltic Assembly
Presidium.
2. Joint meetings between the committees of the national
parliaments and the Baltic Assembly Committees are initiated,
according to the spheres of activities, by a relevant Baltic
Assembly Committee. Such meetings, as well as the meetings of the
responsible officials of the national parliaments, are held upon
mutual agreement.
3. The meetings of the Speakers of the national parliaments
and the Chairman of the Baltic Assembly Presidium is held upon
agreement between the parties.
4. Other events provided for in the Parliamentary Programme
of the Baltic Assembly takes place with the approval of the
Baltic Assembly Presidium.
V. Financing
1. The Parliamentary Programme of the Baltic Assembly is
financed with the funds of the Baltic Assembly, with the
exception of the meetings of the Speakers of the parliaments,
Heads of the Secretariats of the national parliaments, Heads of
the legal departments, and responsible officials.
2. When members of other inter-parliamentary organisations
participate in the activities of the Parliamentary Programme of
the Baltic Assembly, their participation is financed pursuant to
the requirements of the documents, if such documents exist,
regulating such participation.